Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September 4, 2025
News Summary
WKU Volleyball is gearing up for the Marquette Invitational after finishing their opening weekend with a 2-1 record. The team, coming off a tough five-set loss to Drake, is eager to face ranked opponents Dayton, Marquette, and Buffalo. Key players like Kaira Knox and Abby Schaefer have shown strong performances, while the health of Izzy Van De Wiele remains a concern. Fans can follow the matches streamed live on ESPN+, and the team aims to improve their record by the end of the tournament.
Bowling Green: WKU Volleyball Heads to Marquette Invitational After Opening Weekend Split
Western Kentucky University (WKU) Volleyball is set to participate in the Marquette Invitational following a strong start to the season, finishing their opening weekend with a record of 2-1. Despite a disappointing five-set loss to Drake in their home opener, the team is looking forward to building momentum at the upcoming tournament in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The loss to Drake was a mixed bag of emotions for the WKU team as they dominated parts of the match but were unable to secure the final victory. Associate Head Coach Craig Bere expressed enthusiasm about hosting the opening weekend, a rarity for the program in recent years.
The upcoming matches for WKU will include challenging opponents such as #25 Dayton, (RV) Marquette, and Buffalo. The first match on September 5, 2025, will be against Dayton, a team with a proven track record and recent rankings. WKU aims to finish the Marquette Invitational with a positive record of 2-1 and capitalize on their early season performance.
Key Player Performances
WKU’s offense was led by Kaira Knox, who averaged 4.18 kills per set during the opening weekend, totaling 101 attacks. Preseason all-CUSA outside hitter Alivia Skidmore contributed significantly as well, averaging 2.82 kills per set and is expected to enhance her performance moving into the tournament. On defense, Abby Schaefer stood out with an average of 3.27 digs per set, anchoring the team’s defensive efforts.
Gabby Weihe was also a crucial presence at the net, serving as the team’s leader in blocks with an average of 1.09 blocks per set. However, there is uncertainty surrounding junior middle hitter Izzy Van De Wiele, who is dealing with a sprained ankle sustained early in the season, potentially impacting her availability during the tournament.
Marquette Invitational Details
The Marquette Invitational presents a tough challenge for WKU as they first face Dayton, who previously was ranked #24 and faced a tough start to their season, losing their opener to #23 Utah but bouncing back against Washington State and Lafayette. The historical match record sees Marquette facing Dayton with a 10-22 standing, although they have won the last two encounters between the teams.
Marquette’s squad has undergone a transition to a new head coach, Tom Mendoza, and they are eager to establish themselves with a victory against Dayton which will strengthen their position in the rankings. The competition during the event will include matches where both teams are eager to prove their mettle against formidable opponents, with Marquette already having experienced several five-set contests against strong teams that could benefit their resilience but also strain their energy levels.
Viewing Options
Fans will have the opportunity to follow the action as all WKU volleyball matches during the invitational will be streamed on ESPN+, alongside live statistics that will help track the performance of the team in real-time.
Conclusion
As WKU moves forward into the Marquette Invitational, they aim to leverage their successful opening weekend, overcome challenges, and enhance their standing within the league. Aiming for a positive outcome against tough opponents, the team hopes to return with an improved record to carry through the rest of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Marquette Invitational?
The Marquette Invitational is a volleyball tournament hosted by Marquette University where teams compete in a series of matches. WKU will participate in this year’s invitational along with teams such as Dayton, Marquette, and Buffalo.
When does WKU play their first match in the Marquette Invitational?
WKU’s first match in the Marquette Invitational is scheduled for September 5, 2025, against Dayton.
How did WKU perform in their opening weekend?
WKU finished their opening weekend with a 2-1 record, which included a five-set loss to Drake in their home opener after leading in two of the sets.
Where can fans watch the matches during the invitational?
All WKU volleyball matches during the Marquette Invitational will be streamed on ESPN+, along with live statistics available for fans to follow.
Key Features of WKU Volleyball’s Season Start
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Record | 2-1 |
| Top Scorer | Kaira Knox (4.18 kills/set) |
| Key Defensive Player | Abby Schaefer (3.27 digs/set) |
| Blocking Leader | Gabby Weihe (1.09 blocks/set) |
| First Match in Invitational | Against Dayton on September 5, 2025 |
| Streaming | ESPN+ |
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Additional Resources
- WKU Sports: WKU Volleyball Heads to Marquette Invitational
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
- Anonymous Eagle: Golden Eagles Match Game Preview
- Google Search: WKU Volleyball
- WKU Sports: This Week in WKU Athletics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Athletics
- WKU Sports: Women’s Soccer Hilltoppers Get Third Win
- Google News: WKU Athletics
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